The V Foundation for Cancer Research Expands Executive Leadership Team

CARY, N.C. (July 7, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is growing its executive leadership team with the addition of Katherine DeStefano as General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer and Coury Shadyac as Chief Development Officer. These strategic hires support the V Foundation’s extraordinary momentum, as the organization has generated 34% of its total cancer research grant award funding in the last four years alone, continuing its commitment to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®.

DeStefano will lead legal affairs, human resources, risk management, business continuity, and board governance. Shadyac will oversee fundraising strategy, expand national and regional events, planned giving and donor relations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katherine and Coury to our executive team,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Their leadership, expertise, and passion for our mission will help drive deeper engagement, sharpen our operations, and support our bold vision to fund game-changing cancer research that saves lives.”

DeStefano joins the V Foundation from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), where she served as Associate General Counsel. She led a legal team managing employment and athlete matters, dispute resolution and risk strategy, and supported a landmark fundraising campaign in partnership with the LA28 Games Organizing Committee. Earlier in her career, she practiced law at Nelson Mullins and Levi & Korsinsky and brings extensive board and nonprofit governance experience. DeStefano holds a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Georgetown University.

“I’m honored to join the V Foundation and advance its mission to achieve Victory Over Cancer®,” said DeStefano. “Having witnessed my mother bravely face cancer, this work is deeply personal. I’m eager to help further the V Foundation’s impact and support lifesaving research.”

Shadyac comes to the V Foundation from the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Territories. There, she shaped national growth and strategic initiatives across fundraising programs. She has more than 17 years of nonprofit development experience, including executive roles at ALSAC and Teach for America, where she led cross-sector fundraising efforts. Shadyac earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and an MBA from the University of Washington.

“The fact that the V Foundation directs every dollar donated – 100% – directly to cancer research to support the best doctors and scientists shows the powerful impact it has,” said Shadyac. “I look forward to engaging more supporters and raising critical funding to drive groundbreaking discoveries and cures to save more people that we love.”

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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.

Media Contact:
Alexandra Paterson
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